Forbidden Brownstones by Clifford Browder
TITLE INFORMATION
Forbidden Brownstones
Clifford Browder
E.L. Marker, 272 pages
9781947966420, 12.29.20
BOOK REVIEW
Overall Rating = 5
Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing & Delivery = 5
Editorial = 5
Junius Fox is a young black man growing up in New York City in the second half of the 19th century. His father, a barber that caters to white people, and his mother, a healer, raise him to believe he can accomplish his dreams. But living in an upper-crust brownstone is more of an obsession than a dream for Junius. His education and poise get him a job as a waiter for an elderly widow. From there, he becomes a butler in the most exclusive brothel in the city, where he learns about power and how best to use it in the world of the white elite.
From the first page, I was deeply immersed in the story of Junius, developing my own obsession with this novel. When I wasn’t reading it, I wanted to be reading it. The development of the characters and the settings are expertly done, reeling in and hooking the reader without a hint of contrivance. It simply happens. The story throws us back into an era of highs and lows; beauty and excesses alongside prejudice, riots, and depression. I was charmed by Junius as a first-person character. His dreams, his strength of character and integrity, his weaknesses and the clarity to recognize them; all this and more gives you a story that kept me turning the pages. A highly recommended read!
Sublime Line: “Forbidden Brownstones is an addictive novel that will charm, entertain, and mesmerize you; five stars for this wonderful, compelling read.”
Sublime Book Review
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